Interview [Issue 54] [Interview] Meet The New Reporters!

[TriNitroToIuene 4,765]

 

After a long dry spell, we have found two potential Reporters to continue the Newspaper's legacy. To get to know them and to find out more about the people behind the authors, we've interviewed this promising duo. And now, introducing our new Reporters...

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Flexoo
With his writing talent never in doubt, Flexoo has always been someone to watch out for. Although his frequency of missing out on a podium spot in Newspaper contests has earned him the title of 'Mr. Consolation', Flex has been consistently churning out professional and well-constructed masterpieces to earn his way into the Reporter team.

 

TriNitroToIuene: So, Flex. You're finally here, being interviewed for the first time as a Reporter. How does it feel?

 

Flexoo: It's a mixture of shock and enthusiasm. Overall, I feel ready to face the unprobed waters of this new period in my Tanki Online career.

 

TriNitroToIuene: I bet the feeling was special; personally, I can relate. But now you're at an all-time personal high, and the public must know more about you. Mind giving us a summary of yourself, so that we can get to know you better?

 

Flexoo: Well, to summarize it very quickly for readers, my real name is Tom, but most will probably recognize me simply as Flexoo. I reside in a growing yet delightful village near the fourth biggest city of Slovakia, called Nitra. I am in the last year of my studies at the Slovak Agricultural University, hoping I will successfully finish it at the end of the month. As for my hobbies, I enjoy refreshing nature walks, I am a big history lover (please don't punch me!) and of course I can't leave aside TO, which takes up most of my "online" time. 

 

TriNitroToIuene: Seriously, who gets into fist fights anymore? I'd more likely have you put to death by the good ol' firing squad... but you seem an exciting talent, so I won't ;) So, you seem like a nature freak. How on earth did you find this action game coming from the serene environment of your native place? Tell us about the initial phases of your career.

 

Flexoo: Surprisingly, it wasn't the 'Miniclip classic'. I kick-started my tank engines a good two or three years ago. It all started when I spied on my younger cousin playing some tank game. Uninterested at first, I decided to create my own account just to drive back the boredom. It took almost one sluggish year till I got around the Warrant Officer ranks as I hopped onto my account quite irregularly. About a year ago, the game pulled me in and I started to play almost daily and became far more active as a gamer and forumer.

 

TriNitroToIuene: Finally I've found a different story! You, sir, are proving to be a really good interviewee. Sluggish though you may have been, now you're a full-fledged Generalissimo, with an exact idea of what you like and what you don't (hopefully). Tell us your choices and preferences within the game - what equipment do you prefer to use, where do you prefer to battle, and how do you prefer to play?

 

Flexoo: My playing style differs on occasion. As a Generalissimo, I revel in the variety of hulls, turrets and paints that I like to combine depending on the situation. However, my all time favorite is Smoky - it's versatile, powerful and unpredictable. Usually paired with the dynamic Wasp or bulkier Dictator, it makes for a deadly engine. As for the maps, I enjoy a good ol' Noise or Sandbox battle, but I love to explore the novelty of some rare maps like Wolfenstein. In team gameplay, I am predominately a midfielder or defender; but at desperate times, I can swiftly turn to attacking play.

 

TriNitroToIuene: Did you hear that, people? He uses Smoky! I like this guy already. Now, that's enough of Tanki Online related stuff, don't you think? Let's move onto your writing career. Do you enjoy writing outside the game? When did you hear about the Reporter position in TO, and how did you work to become a Reporter? What series of events led to you giving this interview right here, right now?

 

Flexoo: To be perfectly honest, I don't write outside the TO forum at all. It was actually the Newspaper that brought me to the forum and ignited the fire for this online hobby. Reminiscing about the beginning of my writing career, my first ever article (if I can call it that!) was featured in the Newspaper 'Editorials' sometime around Issue 40. It was not anything ground-breaking, but you have to start somehow.

 

Moving to November 2015, I spotted that Reporter applications are opened again. Naturally, I failed miserably, but it helped in my pursuit to perfect my writing. Afterwards, I posted my newly-made articles in the Game Discussion forum section, surprisingly receiving positive feedback from readers. After the grand opening of the Amateur Writing Club, I sent in my articles, joined the club and (heartened by my previous successes) I decided to apply again. To my surprise, I was accepted as a Candidate Reporter, and here I am now!

 

TriNitroToIuene: Quite an inspiring story, I'd say. Anyway, I'd now like to talk about what you implied was your launchpad to Reporter Candidacy - the Amateur Writing Section. Can you enlighten us about your experience as a member of this project?

 

Flexoo: The AWC is, in my humble opinion, a great new addition to the Newspaper and the forum itself. It's too early to speak about how this section will evolve, but based on what I have experienced as a member, I can say that this initiative from the Newspaper team is brilliant. I have to mention the great opportunity to work with a team of experienced writers, who offer excellent and valuable advice that will definitely help you with your professional growth.

 

TriNitroToIuene: Hm, maybe you could be especially referring to someone whose nickname is a palindrome and starts with a T  :ph34r:. Well, now you're a Candidate, and you'll most likely become a full-fledged Reporter soon. What are your plans for serving our evil master Lham Newspaper articles? What can we expect from your metaphorical quill?

 

Flexoo: Yes, I plan to serve the dark lord Lha... Sorry, I'll avoid getting carried away (cough) Anyway, I won't spill too many details, but I can say there are already some ideas floating around in the intimate depths of my mind. I plan to do some interviews, guides and other interesting reports. Literally, you can expect a little bit of everything.

 

TriNitroToIuene: Awesome! I, for one, will be waiting for them. Now, it's time to infringe hogree's copyright from back when he did these 'New Reporter' interviews. If I gave you the opportunity to describe yourself in three words, what would those lucky three be?

 

Flexoo: Hmm let me think... affable, helpful and a bit introverted.

 

TriNitroToIuene: That's cool, I'm sure we'll get to know you even better through reading your works! Now, we're almost done, just bear with me on this one. What's your favourite thing to eat?

 

Flexoo: Chicken!!! Without chicken there is no life to live! Chips and cheese, pizza, homegrown fruit. 

 

TriNitroToIuene: I'm afraid we're gonna have a disagreement here, because I'm vegetarian. Keep your life insurance ready. And, speaking of life, you're free to get on with it - this interview ends here. Thanks for participating, and welcome to the Newspaper!

 

Flexoo: Okay, we can at least share those fruits! Thank you for having me. I am looking forward to working with you and the whole Newspaper team.

 

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Zenith101

A relatively new community member on the scene, Zenith has already carved out a niche for himself. With impeccable understanding of the game at a relatively low rank, quality writing ability and superb illustrations to back up his words, he has made the Reporters take notice and invite him to join them.

 

TriNitroToIuene: Welcome, Zen, to your first interview as a Tanki Online official. Standing on cloud nine as you are, how'd you describe your feelings right now?

 

Zenith101: Euphoric. I am really delighted that I got accepted for this role. Looking forward to doing a good job at it!

 

TriNitroToIuene: I'm sure you will! What with you being famous now and all, it's time for the usual introduction for the community; they're raring to get to know more about you. Tell us about the guy behind 'Lord' Zenith!

 

Zenith101: I'm 17 and I'm from western India (Pune, to be precise). Zenith has been my internet name in most other communities that I've been in previously. My pastimes are watching soccer, cricket (the game...), managing groups and playing Tanki of course. I also play the Tabla (Indian percussion instrument) and design graphics.

 

TriNitroToIuene: Judging by that answer, you have been active in a few games before. However, what made you choose this game? Tell us the story of your discovery of Tanki Online, and why you've stuck with it till this day.

 

Zenith101: I like games which have a framework of different media and socializing platforms, and more importantly approachable and active developers. I found Tanki Online from a friend on a Xat chat-room in 2014, and I've been glued to it ever since. With constant updates, contests, and an active and entertaining community, it has it all to prevail as a great game.

 

TriNitroToIuene: That's yet another unique story of starting out in TO. Wow, I guess Miniclip ain't that popular anymore! Now, as you've been here for quite a while, you would have explored the fundamentals and basics of the game by now, hence developing your own tastes. Any preferences in terms of turrets and hulls to share with our readers? And also, can you describe your favourite map and game mode?

 

Zenith101: The main motive for me to keep playing this game besides building a good Garage and having fun would be trying out and exploring aspects of the game. I've never settled on one particular map or combination, but despite that I can't keep myself from mentioning my all-time favorites like Hornet-Railgun, Viking-Freeze, Viking-Shaft; and Rio, Serpuhov, Polygon, Molotov as far as maps are concerned. Among the game modes, I mostly frequent the all-popular CTF, and battle in CP mode for a change once in a while.

 

TriNitroToIuene: Molotov? Pretty interesting, can't say I've seen battles there too often. Apart from that, pretty cool! Well, let's move the conversation towards what really matters: you getting accepted as a Newspaper Reporter. When did you hear about this staff position, and how did you go about aiming for it? What do you think is the clinching factor that got you the job?

 

Zenith101: It was a normal day in Tanki, scanning the forums for something new, when I came across the Newspaper. Fleeting glances through the Main Topic slowly transformed into a deep interest in every article, and one day I decided to write articles myself. I had written articles in game blogs on WordPress before, and my expertise in writing guide-type and illustrative articles might also have aided my application.

 

TriNitroToIuene: Well, I bet they have! Especially the pictures, I'd love to talk to you about your mind-blowing graphic-designing history. Of course, you must be good since you won the All Kind clan logo contest and all, but it doesn't hurt to learn more about this hobby of yours. Tell us your designing secrets of success!

 

Zenith101: I am still an amateur graphic designer. I use Photoshop Elements, which I have been using for around four years now. I used to sell my graphics for online currency on chat-rooms in my early days, and as started to increase my finesse at it, I switched to blogs, and later Tanki. The AK logo contest was my first logo in Tanki, and I was actually surprised that I won.

 

TriNitroToIuene: Awesome! I'm sure we can expect those smashing pictures, illustrations and graphics to accompany your articles. Now I mention it, what sort of articles are you planning to write during your hopefully rich tenure as a Candidate and subsequently as a full Reporter? Any particular things you have in mind?

 

Zenith101: I am eager to write a few guides that would help the regular tanker, 'specially for the virtually unknown maps that aren't often played, to start off. I've not made many specific plans besides that, and I'll avoid letting our readers get too big a sneak peek just yet.  ;)

 

TriNitroToIuene: The art of suspense is tough to polish nowadays, but you seem to be doing it quite well, eh? Anyway, time for a gross breach of pig anti-piracy values - it's hogree's good ol' question again. If you had three words to describe yourself, which adjectives would you pick?

 

Zenith101: Easy-going, reflective and cooperative.

 

TriNitroToIuene: That sums it up neatly, nice choice of words! I guess that's enough of the usual questions; let's throw in a random one for fun! What's your number one thing to eat?

 

Zenith101: Only one item seems restrictive, so I'd say Bhelpuri (an Indian dish consisting of puffed rice, onions, spices and hot chutney) and Uthappam (an Indian pancake). However, I like to explore cuisines, and I'm good as long as the food is vegetarian.

 

TriNitroToIuene: I must agree with you there, your choice of delicacies is spot on. And being a fellow vegetarian, you and I have a lot in common! And on that happy note, it's time to wrap up this interview. Thanks for agreeing to answer these questions, and all the best for your future writing career!

 

Zenith101: Thank you for having me, I'm grateful that you did. I am anticipating a great time working with the Newspaper team.

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The Newspaper would also like to welcome renowned Creative League designer and talented community member eragon33 to the team. He has already been involved in the Polish community staff, and he's now on board as our official designer.

 

Being responsible for the Main Topic design and the vast majority of article pictures in this Newspaper Issue, eragon has already got off to a great start working alongside us. We're really glad to have him here, and we hope you guys appreciate his behind-the-scenes efforts to produce the stunning visual content in these articles! 

 

[EXTRA NOTE]: @tweezers also joined the Reporter team as a Candidate after this article was completed, and without sufficient time to interview him too. I'm sure you'll join us in wishing him the best as he works with us to produce our selection of articles and contests.

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And that's a wrap! Let's welcome the new Candidates warmly. Remember, you guys can still play a part in our expanding activities by suggesting articles for upcoming issues of the Newspaper on our "Newspaper Requests!" topic. Do get involved!

 

Meanwhile, if you think you can write well, and want to join the Tanki Online Newspaper, applications are open; have a look here if you're interested.

 

And finally, to those of you who applied but weren't chosen, don't give up. We have received a lot of commendable applications in our time. If you're interested in gaining some further writing experience, have a look at the Amateur Writing Section, where you can display your talent and get yourself noticed. 

 

We're looking forward to hearing from you!

 

 

[emrakul 7,801]

Gratz Flexoo :D

[Flexoo 6,980]

Thanks Emra :).

[Quarks 2,255]

At some point, I hope to be here. *inserts angry look a flex, zenith, and pliers*

[Destrod 2,634]

Nice job TNT, and grats to the newbies. I hope you help lham take over the world 

[Yisroel.Rabin 16,224]

Congratulations to the new reporters and nice meeting you guys.

[Cor7y 13,862]

New mults in the team?

 

[omrot 2,327]

Congratz Guys

 

Looking for some great articles from you  ;)

[Hex 11,520]

[DragonOfStorms 2,706]

Congratulations again, Zenith!

[guyfromwa 129]

Congrats to the trio of you!

[KillerGnat 3,135]

I remember when Zen was a WO5 and he told me he was applying for reporter. At the time, I didn't know much about him. Now, however, after about six months, I can say that he's most certainly up for the job. (y)

 

 

And congo to Flex and the flooder Tweez too. xD

[Faithful 117]

Nice Interview TNT, and congrats to of you. :)

[omrot 2,327]

Where are your Avatars guys?

[Flexoo 6,980]

Avatars are given to full-fledged reporters that pass their candidacy state.

[omrot 2,327]

Avatars are given to full-fledged reporters that pass their candidacy state.

I thought you are already accepted as a reporter  :blink:

[Flexoo 6,980]

We were accepted as reporter candidates :p.

[Quarks 2,255]

We were accepted as reporter candidates :P.

And for flex here, that might be all he gets  :ph34r:

 

 

Nah, he'll probably get accepted, just about everyone does. The only one who didn't was reaccepted later.

 

[LOLKILLERTOTHEDEATH 1,921]

Im hopeless at this, 2 years, 10 reporters come and go, and I never even come close.

[studyacc051203 5]

 

Best of luck you guys 

[scralnax849 19]

Good to see someone my rank has been accepted, that means my knowledge of the game might be deemed "enough" if I decide to apply come school time.

[scralnax849 19]

At some point, I hope to be here. *inserts angry look a flex, zenith, and pliers*

tweezers u mean?

[i..tousif_the_master 251]

Congo Flexo and zenith :)

[TriNitroToIuene 4,765]

Im hopeless at this, 2 years, 10 reporters come and go, and I never even come close.

That pessimistic attitude is the biggest thing in your way. Keep trying!

[r_Valk8 2,086]

Congrats and Well answered/ asked